Question

Look at the student work shown below.

Simplify: 4t(2s – 7).

(4t)(2s) – 7

8st - 7

Did the student correctly simplify the expression? If “yes,” explain the steps the student followed. If “no,” explain what the student did wrong and what should have been done.

Answer 1

Hey there :)

4t ( 2s - 7 )
We need to apply what is called the distributive property.

The student did a mistake by not distributing 4t to both values inside the bracket
The distributive property is used to get rid of the parenthesis/bracket

The student's answer should be:
4t ( 2s ) + 4t ( - 7 )
8st - 28t